A new program aimed at beautifying downtown’s vacant storefronts is drawing attention, both from the general public and potential businesses.
Two Tucson organizations are teaming up to enhance the vibrancy of downtown by adding art to vacant storefronts.
The Downtown Tucson Partnership and Rio Nuevo have launched the Storefront Vinyl Program , which aims to beautify and market unoccupied commercial spaces, with the hope of attracting new businesses.
Kathleen Eriksen, president and CEO of DTP, explained that the initiative serves multiple purposes.
“We wanted to do something with the vacant spaces that were downtown, liven them up, maybe advertise the available space that is available for lease, and create some artwork,” she said.
The vinyl panels, featuring portraits of iconic figures like Linda Ronstadt and Paul Newman, are part of an effort to keep downtown looking “clean and beautiful,” Eriksen added.
The program has already made an impact.
“We can’t keep the vinyl up long enough because the spaces are getting filled,” Eriksen said excitedly.